FOCUS: What is Lyndon Farnham’s vision for Jersey? Inside the Chief Minister hopeful’s plans for the next four years

Less than 24 hours after Helen Miles stepped aside and backed Lyndon Farnham’s bid to remain Chief Minister, the man now poised to lead Jersey for another four years has set out his vision for the Island’s future…

The agreement between the two politicians, struck ahead of Thursday’s nomination deadline, effectively cleared the path for Senator Farnham to continue in the role he first assumed in January 2024.

In a six-page statement submitted to the States Assembly, Senator Farnham argues that Jersey does not need a dramatic change of direction, but rather a continuation of what he describes as a programme of stability, discipline and delivery.

“We have the people, the talent and the resources to succeed,” he wrote.

“The task before us is not to change course dramatically, but to build on the progress already made and move forward with confidence, discipline and ambition.”

A focus on growth

One of the themes running through the document is economic growth.

Senator Farnham – who was sworn in alongside other States Members in the Royal Court this morning – argues that Jersey needs “a stronger and more dynamic economy” and says growth is essential not only for businesses, but also for public services and living standards.

“Economic growth is not simply about statistics. It is how we create opportunity, improve living standards, generate revenue for public services and strengthen the Island’s long-term resilience,” he wrote.

He pledged to support Jersey’s established industries while encouraging new sectors and investment opportunities.

That includes reducing what he describes as unnecessary bureaucracy, improving planning processes, investing in skills and ensuring government acts as “an enabler of growth rather than a barrier to it”.

The Chief Minister hopeful also highlighted opportunities in digital technology, fintech, sustainable energy and the blue economy, alongside continued support for the finance industry.

“The recent competitiveness review of the financial services sector identified the need to renew Jersey’s appetite for growth,” he said.

“I believe that principle should extend across the wider economy.”

Fiscal discipline, not austerity

Another major theme is public finances.

Senator Farnham says the next Assembly must place a renewed emphasis on financial discipline, productivity and value for money.

He argues that government should focus spending on priorities, eliminate inefficiency and modernise public services while continuing to invest in healthcare and infrastructure.

“I do not believe in austerity. Nor do I believe that Government should continually expand without regard to cost,” he wrote.

“I believe in disciplined government, efficient government and accountable government.”

The statement also calls for greater use of technology, tighter scrutiny of public spending and careful use of borrowing, primarily for long-term infrastructure projects.

Housing and affordability

Addressing two of the issues that dominated the election campaign, Senator Farnham identifies the cost of living and housing as key priorities for the next government.

He argues that government can help by promoting competition, reducing unnecessary costs and charges, improving efficiency and strengthening household finances.

On housing, he says the next government must continue increasing supply, accelerate approved developments and expand support for first-time buyers.

“Too many Islanders, particularly younger people and families, feel that home ownership is moving further out of reach,” he wrote.

Better government and public services

The statement also places significant emphasis on how government operates.

Senator Farnham says he wants to strengthen accountability, improve collaboration between departments and continue what he describes as a programme of digital transformation.

He also pledges to reduce reliance on consultants where expertise can be developed in-house, streamline decision-making and improve delivery across government.

“Islanders rightly expect Government to be efficient, responsive and transparent,” he said.

Healthcare features prominently too, with the successful delivery of the new hospital described as one of the “defining responsibilities” of the next government.

Stability as the central message

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the agreement reached with Senator-elect Miles, stability sits at the centre of the document.

Throughout the statement, Senator Farnham repeatedly returns to themes of pragmatism, continuity and collaborative government.

“If elected Chief Minister, I will continue to provide stable, pragmatic and collaborative leadership,” he wrote.

The message mirrors the rationale put forward by Senator-elect Miles when she decided not to contest the role, saying this week that it was important for Jersey to move forward without what she described as a “divisive and unnecessary contest”.

States Members will vote on 19 June.

Once appointed, the Chief-Minister-designate must submit their proposed ministerial team by the morning of Friday 26 June.

The States Assembly will meet to vote on ministerial appointments on Monday 29 June.

LISTEN…

Ahead of the election, we interviewed the then-Deputy Farnham for the Election Disassembled podcast – listen below, in the Bailiwick Express app or wherever you get your podcasts…